From April 2026, updates have been made to the designing the 14 to 16 curriculum offer section of the
14-16 Learning guidance as part of the ongoing review of the Curriculum for Wales framework guidance.
The updated guidance:
signposts schools to consider opportunities available through the Seren Academy to support learner reflection, progress and post 16 planning
reflects the availability of VCSEs, the Skills Suite, the Personal Project and Foundation qualifications (alongside GCSEs) from 2027
reflects the revised Made for Wales Science GCSEs, including expectations around breadth of learning, access and the continued availability of separate science GCSEs
clarifies expectations around self-evaluation and improvement, including signposting to the Youth Engagement Progression Framework
confirms new reporting arrangements in relation to the 14 to 16 Learner Entitlement Indicators Framework (LEIF), with further information explaining how the LEIF aligns with wider evaluation and improvement arrangements
These updates aim to support clarity and coherence for schools as they design and evaluate their 14 to 16 curriculum offer.
Areas of learning and experience
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Expressive ArtsExpressive arts can engage, motivate and encourage learners to develop their creative, artistic and performance skills to the full.
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Health and Well-beingThe Health and Well-being Area of Learning and Experience (Area) provides a holistic structure for understanding health and well-being.
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HumanitiesThe Humanities Area of Learning and Experience (Area) seeks to awaken a sense of wonder, fire the imagination.
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Languages, Literacy and CommunicationThis area addresses fundamental aspects of human communication.
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Mathematics and NumeracyThe development of mathematics has always gone hand in hand with the development of civilisation itself.
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Science and TechnologyThe importance of science and technology in our modern world cannot be overstated.
National Network for Curriculum Implementation
More guidance
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Cross-curricular skills frameworkLiteracy, numeracy and digital competence are mandatory cross-curricular skills within Curriculum for Wales.
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Routes for learningRoutes for Learning materials support practitioners in assessing learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).
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Reading and numeracy AssessmentsDeveloping learners' reading and numeracy skills is a mandatory part of Curriculum for Wales.
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Funded non-maintained nursery settingsDeveloped for funded non-maintained nursery settings to adopt, should they wish to do so.
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Early childhood, play, learning and careResources and guidance for childcare, play settings and schools on early childhood play, learning and care for 0 to 5 year olds in Wales.
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Implementation planThe journey to 2022' in October 2020 set out the expectations for schools and settings to design their curriculum.
Curriculum resources search
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Curriculum in Wales: planning and priority guideThis pack contains short guides, key questions, and further reading to support you.
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Education Wales blogStories about how Wales is reforming its education system to equip our young people to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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Curriculum for Wales: information for parents, carers and learnersFind out more about how schools are introducing the curriculum and what these changes mean for your child.
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British Sign Language (BSL) glossaryBSL video glossary
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SerenSeren supports the brightest state educated learners to achieve their full academic potential.
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TaithFunding to enable learners and staff to take part in educational international exchanges.
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Understanding curriculum in practice: Camau i'r DyfodolMaterials to support schools to build a purpose-led, process-orientated curriculum.